Uses for 12 x 12 cardstock

With so much 12 x 12 cardstock on the retiring list, some of it at a reduced price, I decided to re-post one of my posts from a couple of years ago.  Hope you find this helpful!  One extra idea:  I find it easier (and more economical) to use 12 x 12 cardstock with some of my Bigz XL dies (and some, like the Matchbook die -- which is retiring -- need 12 x 12).

I use 12 x 12 cardstock for scrapbooking.  What else would I use for my 12 x 12 album?  But until recently, that was pretty much all I used my 12 x 12 cardstock for.  Oh!  And as a backup for when I ran out of 8 1/2 x 11.  But you know what?  12 x 12 is great to have on hand for several reasons:

*  If you put layers on your cards, you know how many little 1/2" strips you end up with.  But, if you use a 12 x 12 sheet, you can get 6 pieces of 4 x 5 1/4.  The bonus:  your leftover piece is 1 1/2" x 12.  A very useful size!

*  You use 12 x 12 sheets to make the following cards:  trifold shutter, matchbook card, pocket card and more

*  Make a 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 nine page mini accordion album

*  You get four 6 x 6 scrapbook pages for your 6 x 6 album.

*  Get two 6 x 6 cards.

*  Get eight (yes, EIGHT) 3 x 3 cards or self-sealing cards like we made at the preschool fundraiser class.

I'm sure there are more ideas, but these will get you started.

So, next time you're stocking up on cardstock, keep the 12 x 12 in mind.

Farewell Cheerful Treat

Today I have a few cards made with the Designer Series Paper, Cheerful Treat.  It's not too late to get it, but because you have to buy it with hostess dollars it is getting a little harder.  If you want it though, I will do my best to get it for you.  Contact me today to see how.

 This card has several retiring products on it:  Funky Four stamp set, the Butterfly Punch, the Ticket Corner punch, Cheerful Treat DSP (hostess), Finial Press embossing folder and the Oval Scallop Frame die.  I also used the non-retiring Square Lattice embossing folder on the butterfly.

This card was inspired by one shared by Missy Shipman on our Stampers Express blog (if you join my team you can be part of this group, too -- it's full of great ideas and a wonderful resource).  She said she CASEd Heather Summers.

 Because I liked the idea, I had to play with it a bit.  Here's another version.  The 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon on this card is also retiring.  See details about my ribbon share here.

I have one more version, which is oriented the other direction.  When I find it I'll add it to this post.

Thanks for checking out my blog.  Please feel free to leave and comment and let me know what you think!

Lots of Retiring Products

This card uses several retiring products that I am going to miss:  Three Little Words, Sincere Salutations, the Ticket Corner punch and Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon. 

In fact, all the 1/4" grosgrain ribbon is being retired.  Can you believe it?  Me neither!!  I use it a lot!  So, I am offering a ribbon share.  That way we can build up lots of colors without having to buy a full roll of each -- though I'm sure I could go though a whole roll of each, that could get expensive.

The way it works is this:  you pay for one roll of ribbon (15 yards for $4.95 plus shipping and tax).  But instead of 15 yards of one color, you get 5 yards of 3 different colors.  Great way to build your ribbon selection on a budget!

Here are some color combinations to get you started:

Christmas Pack:  Real Red, Old Olive and Whisper White
Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black and Tempting Turquoise
Night of Navy, Very Vanilla and Rose Red
The Basics:  Whisper White, Very Vanilla and Basic Black

I am open to suggestions if there is a color you really want that is not on this list (or if you want to mix them up into different groups of 3).  Plus, since these ribbons are retiring, participating in this ribbon share (or any of the other specials on my promotions page) will get you entered in a prize drawing.

Contact me today to participate in the ribbon share or take advantage of any other promotions.  Thank you!

Happy Birthday Frances

Tomorrow is the birthday of my upline, Frances Wagner.  I made this card for her in My Digital Studio (MDS).  It was super easy because I started with a template that comes with the program.  But since it was a "Hello" card, I had to change the sentiment.

I love My Digital Studio for all kinds of paper crafting.  I use it mostly for making cards and scrapbook pages.  I also use it to edit my pictures and add the watermark to pictures I put on my blog.

As good as My Digital Studio is, it's getting even better!  Later in the year, Stampin' Up is coming out with MDS2.  It will have all kinds new features!!  Can't wait!  In the meantime, don't let that stop you from getting started with MDS.  If you buy it now, you'll get the upgrade to the new version for FREE!  Those of use who already have MDS will pay only $19.95.  It sounds like it will be well worth it.

Not sure whether you'd use MDS or not?  Try it free for 30 days.

Want more information about My Digital Studio?  Check out http://mydigitalstudio.net/  There is basic information about the program, videos to help you get started, an online forum and more.  I recommend starting with Getting To Know MDS under the Training tab (along the top).  Also, Beginner Techniques, also under Training, will show you just how easy MDS is to use.

As always, feel free to contact me directly with your questions.

Have a happy birthday tomorrow Frances!

Butterfly Pansies

I bought the Butterfly punch specifically to make these Pansies.  Turns out the punch is great for butterflies, too :)  I'll post some cards I made using the punch as intended on another day.

We will learn how to make these pansies at my upcoming class.  See details here.

The Butterfly punch, Inspired by Nature, and the Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, which I used in the center of the pansies, are all retiring

Thanks for looking!  Have a wonderful day!

Posy Punch with Faux Suede

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there!  Hope your Mother's Day was as wonderful as mine was!!

This card is made with the retiring hostess set, Posy Punch.  It's not too late to get this cute set, but time is running out (May 31).  Contact me today to see how this set can be yours!

I stamped the image in Tangerine Tango and punched it out with the Fancy Flower punch.  I also punched two more Fancy Flowers in Tangerine Tango so that I could layer them behind the punched image.  I stamped the center Hello in Daffodil Delight and punched it out with a circle punch.  I sponged around the edges in Tangerine Tango and then sponged a little more lightly in the center.

The frame is from the retiring Oval Scallop Frame die.  It was cut with my Big Shot out of Daffodil Delight cardstock.  The flower in the lower right was punched from Tangerine Tango using the Fancy Flower punch.  I used the Faux Suede technique to get that cool soft look.  Some of you have seen this technique at my recent events.  The flower center is one of the Itty Bitty Shapes Punches and a retiring Fire Circle Rhinestone brad.  I finished the card with the Corner Rounder punch on each corner.

Triple Treat Cards

Hi!  I have three cards to share with you today -- all using the retiring Triple Treat stamp and the same color scheme.  I also used the corner rounder on the top and bottom cards.

This card uses two more retiring products:  the 5 Petal Flower punch and Sincere Salutations stamp set.

 Again, the retiring 5 Petal Flower punch.  Also, the stamp set Blessings From Heaven, the Fancy Flower punch, and a circle punch for the center of the flower.

 This card uses a ribbon that has already retired, but there is another Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon available (I think the only difference is that the current ribbon doesn't have the white along the edges).  Thinking of You comes from the retiring Sincere Salutations.

Get these items and any other Stampin' Up supplies from my Online Store.  Thank you for you support!

Twitterpated Top Note Card

Here's another card I made using the beautiful Twitterpated fabric.  I cut it using my Big Shot and the Top Note die.  I also used the Big Shot to cut the flower using the Blossom Party die.

The sentiment is from the retiring set Sincere Salutations.  It's a great set full of differerent...well...salutations.  The stamps are all close to the same size so once you design a card using one you can easily interchange the others.  You don't want to miss out on this one!  The ribbon, too, is retiring.  I love these ribbons, available in all the 2010-12 in colors.  I will miss the ribbons and this group of in colors.  They are only available while supplies last (or until May 31)

Order the supplies used in these projects and any other Stampin' Up supplies at my Online Store.  Thanks!

May Team Meeting

Once again, we had a wonderful time at our team meeting!  It was held Sunday at the home of my upline, Frances Wagner.  Thanks Frances for providing a wonderful lunch and Deb Dodd for the delicious dessert!!

Here is the make and take we did.  Frances designed it using the new stamp set Everything Eleanor.  The sentiment is from Pursuit of Happiness.  I love how she also used the Tasteful Trims die and Baker's Twine, two of my favorites.

Here are the swap cards.  The first one is a double punch card from Karel Standish.  Isn't this just the coolest idea?  Karel has instructions on her blog.

This card was made by Debbie Green.  Looks like Mixed Bunch and the Blossom Punch were popular for this swap!  Of course, I think they are popular with everyone!!  The sentiment is from Elementary Elegance, which was one of this year's Sale-a-bration stamps.  With everything that's retiring, I'm glad to see this ribbon is staying!

 This card was made by Deb Dodd.  She used the Bright Blossoms stamp set.  If you missed it during the Sneak Peak, you can get it when the new catalog begins on June 1st.  I just love the angled card stock layers.  Expect to see that soon on one of my cards.

 I showed some of the cards I've made with fabric and the keychain we made at my last class.  I hoped this would give everyone some ideas.  I also demonstrated the rock and roll technique.  I'll post more on that a different day.

Frances had door prizes and I won supplies (foam board and a decor element -- that's all that's needed) to make a chalkboard like the one below.  Thanks, Frances!  This decor element was from S-A-B, but there are lots more available (both chalkboard style and regular) but only until May 31 (sadly they are being retired).  There are even chalkboard sheets that you can cut with your Big Shot!  How fun to use them to make labels (just like in a recent article in Martha Stewart's magazine -- except you could cut yours in cute shapes, like the Top Note or a scallop).

Oops, I just realized that the watermark on the board should have had Frances's name since she made it.  Guess I was distracted because I thought it was clever to put the watermark on the board in white like it was written in chalk.  Sorry about that!

Want to come to great meetings like this and have fun, share ideas, and stamp?  Join my team and you can!  Not to mention all the other great benefits!  Stampin' Up has introduced a new $99 starter kit.  Check it out here and then sign up to take advantage of this fantastic offer.  I'd love to have you on my team!

May Stamp Set of the Month

May Stamp Set of the Month: 
 “Best Dad Ever”

Accessory of the Month: Neutral Brads

 When you order the May “Stamp Set of the Month” Bundle, you’ll get a kit containing all of the precut pieces needed to make 6 of the cards shown above for FREE!  Additionally, you’ll be e-mailed a PDF File that contains step-by-step instructions on how to make the card shown above along with 3 BONUS designs for creative inspiration on other things that can be done with the featured stamp set so you can see its versatility and get the most bang for the buck!  Supply Lists are included for the bonus designs.

Want more precut pieces?  No problem!  When you order the Stamp Set of the Month Bundle, you can order additional quantities of precut cardstock pieces in increments of 6 so that you can make as many as you want to have on hand!

May Stamp Set of the Month WOOD Bundle: $25.90 + Shipping and Tax

(Includes your order for the “”Best Dad Ever” stamp set in wood mount and 1 pack of Neutral Brads plus the FREE kit)

 May Stamp Set of the Month CLEAR Bundle: $21.90+ Shipping and Tax

(Includes your order for the “Best Dad Ever” stamp set in clear mount and 1 pack of Neutral Brads plus the FREE kit)

Additional Quantities of the May Kit: $6 + Shipping for every set of 6 cards

Already have the featured Stamp Set or Accessory?  No problem. You can order any stamp set and/or accessory of equal value to the featured items and still receive the FREE kit and PDF File!

Other supplies you’ll want to order: Basic Black, Basic Grey and Real Red Stampn’ Write Markers, Basic Black Classic Ink Pad, Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Whisper White Envelopes, SNAIL Adhesive and Stampin’ Dimensionals.

****** Contact Sue Root to Order Today!  ******

Medallion with Jumbo Brad

Like so many of the stamps on the retiring list, I just can't believe this stamp will be gone at the end of the month.  On this card, I put a Jumbo Neutral Brad (also retiring) in the center of the Medallion background stamp.  The cardstock colors are Crumb Cake and Naturals Ivory.  The Naturals Ivory envelopes are retiring, too, so be sure to get them, the Medallion stamp, and the Jumbo Neutral Brads before they are gone!

See other cards made with the Medallion stamp here.

Flower Burst Embosslits

I've got three cards to share with you today, all of which contain the retiring embosslit Flower Burst.  The other embosslit, Simple Flower, was on the clearance list until just recently.  In fact, I was surprised to see that it was gone.  Make sure to get the Flower Burst embosslit before it, too, is gone.

The background on this card was made with the retiring stamp set Fifth Avenue Florals.  I am really going to miss this set!  If you don't have it, you ought to.  See other cards I've made with this set here.  There are only a few, which is surprising since I use this set A LOT.  The big rose is perfect for the re-inker watercolor technique.  I can't believe I don't have a picture of that.  Talk about beautiful!

The Flower Burst embosslit is the More Mustard flower.  Also used on this card are the Word Window and Modern label punches and the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.

Besides the embosslits (the Bermuda Bay flowers are the Flower Burst ones), I also used the retiring set Three Little Words.  The set comes with several three words phrases that you can use to complete the thought.  I'll leave you guessing as to which three words I chose.  The colors are retired, but I could get you some of this card stock if you want.

Three Flower Burst flowers on this card!  Stamp set is Hope Happens, which retired previously (so it is not available).  DSP is also retired.

Remember, the Flower Burst embosslit is only available while supplies last, but no later than May 31.  Fifth Avenue Florals and Three Little Words are available until May 31.  To order these items or any other Stampin' Up goodies, visit my Online Store.  Thank you!

Brand New Starter Kit!

Stampin' Up has simplified the Starter Kit.

JOIN STAMPIN' UP FOR ONLY $99!!!

That's right, only $99 ($190 value) and it ships for free!!

When you sign up to become a demonstrator, you get to choose up to $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up products (traditional or digital).  Plus you'll get business supplies valued at $65.

As a demonstrator you can:

1) get a discount on all your purchases

2) earn extra money

3) share your love of stamping with others

4) earn free stamp sets and supplies

5) buy new items before your customers can

6) have access to demo only resources

7) receive a monthly, full-color magazine full of tips, ideas, projects and more

8) attend demo only events - convention, regionals, local team events, etc.

9) receive a free catalog and mini catalogs

10) learn about promotions, discounts, and new merchandise before your customers

11) enjoy support from Stampin' Up, others in my upline, and me

Sounds great, doesn't it?

Join my team and enjoy all of the benefits listed above.  I will support you no matter what your goals are!!

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